The government is planning to ask most categories of immigrants in the Netherlands to sign a declaration that they will participate in Dutch society and uphold its values. Here is an unofficial translation of the text:

Welcome to the Netherlands!

You have just come to live in the Netherlands or have been here for a while. We would like to inform you about Dutch society and things which are important here. Here in the Netherlands, we consider participation to be very important. As are values such as freedom, equality and solidarity. These values are connected to rights which also apply to you.

In the Netherlands, everyone may think, do and say what he will. This means that:

Everyone can express their own opinions

Everyone may have their own belief or lifestyle

Everyone has the right to make their own choices and independence

There are boundaries to this. What someone says or does may never conflict with the law. For example, you may not deliberately insult someone, discriminate against them or stimulate hatred.

Equality

In the Netherlands, all citizens are treated equally. All citizens have the same rights and duties: men, women, homosexuals, heterosexuals, believers, non-believers, etc. Discrimination is not accepted.

Solidarity

In the Netherlands, we ask citizens to help each other and support each other if necessary. Together, citizens are responsible for society. Citizens have the right to live in a safe environment, to decent housing, to fair labour contracts, a minimum wage when they work, good education and good medical care. The government has a duty to protect people against exploitation and unfair treatment. In principle, citizens must ensure they can look after themselves. If that is not possible, and no-one else can help, the government will offer help.

Participation

In the Netherlands, we ask all citizens to contribute to a pleasant and safe society, for example, by working, going to school or doing voluntary work. This can be done in the neighbourhood, at school or through an association. Speaking Dutch is very important in this.

I declare that I have taken note of the above listed Dutch society values and that I will be pleased to carry them out. I declare that I want to make an active contribution to Dutch society and that I expect to be given the space and the cooperation of my fellow citizens to do this.

Signed:

Please note, this is a rough translation by DutchNews.nl for information purposes only